can_v be_v see_v to_o be_v unless_o it_o be_v we_o can_v frame_v a_o inerrable_a judgement_n that_o when_o we_o see_v that_o first_o principle_n engage_v for_o the_o identity_n of_o those_o two_o notion_n it_o be_v engage_v for_o it_o and_o so_o they_o identify_v that_o be_v we_o must_v know_v infallible_o that_o that_o proposition_n be_v true_a this_o i_o say_v in_o case_n it_o be_v a_o true_a certainty_n and_o not_o a_o only_o deem_v or_o mistake_v one_o yet_o even_o then_o there_o be_v a_o deem_v infallibility_n and_o the_o person_n that_o mistake_o judge_v himself_o certain_a of_o a_o thing_n judge_n withal_o that_o he_o can_v be_v mistake_v hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la in_o that_o particular_a which_o manifest_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o certainty_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o infallibility_n however_o it_o may_v be_v misapply_v again_o since_o the_o natural_a use_n of_o word_n give_v it_o not_o to_o be_v nonsense_n to_o say_v i_o be_o infallible_o certain_a of_o such_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o notion_n of_o infallible_o be_v not_o disparate_a from_o the_o notion_n of_o certain_a or_o incompetent_a to_o it_o it_o must_v then_o be_v either_o tautological_a or_o else_o be_v a_o different_a yet_o appliable_a notion_n and_o so_o apt_a to_o difference_n or_o distinguish_v it_o but_o it_o can_v be_v this_o late_a for_o then_o the_o notion_n of_o certain_a aught_o in_o all_o reason_n and_o logic_n admit_v with_o equal_a sense_n the_o opposite_a difference_n fallible_o which_o we_o experience_v it_o do_v not_o nothing_o be_v more_o absurd_a and_o foolish_a than_o to_o say_v i_o be_o fallible_o certain_a of_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v clear_a then_o that_o infallible_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o difference_n the_o notion_n of_o certain_a or_o not_o a_o different_a notion_n from_o it_o but_o the_o same_o sense_n reiterated_a in_o another_o word_n for_o aggravation_n sake_n as_o when_o we_o say_v i_o see_v it_o with_o my_o own_o eye_n or_o such_o like_a that_o be_v if_o we_o consider_v it_o calm_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o that_o malignant_a word_n infallibility_n which_o so_o bewonder_v our_o opposer_n amount_n to_o no_o more_o but_o true_a certainty_n and_o have_v the_o selfsame_a notion_n with_o it_o §_o 16._o four_o it_o appear_v that_o see_v contingency_n what_o may_v be_v otherwise_o how_o unlikely_a soever_o needs_o but_o a_o lucky_a chance_n to_o be_v so_o they_o who_o say_v faith_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a instead_o of_o establish_v it_o subject_n it_o to_o chance_n and_o contingency_n and_o confess_v it_o have_v no_o ground_n so_o to_o secure_v it_o but_o a_o great_a wit_n than_o have_v be_v former_o may_v possible_o show_v it_o to_o be_v false_a that_o be_v may_v subvert_v all_o the_o ground_n it_o now_o stand_v on_o so_o that_o these_o man_n be_v convince_v not_o to_o settle_v faith_n upon_o any_o firm_a ground_n or_o on_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o to_o hang_v it_o on_o humane_a wit_n that_o be_v on_o the_o wit_n of_o the_o present_a christian_n maintain_v its_o plausibility_n and_o possible_o on_o the_o fortunate_a want_n of_o a_o acuter_n wit_n than_o any_o now_o extant_a who_o when_o he_o shall_v arise_v may_v perhaps_o outwit_v they_o and_o show_v all_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a foolery_n §_o 17._o last_o speak_v of_o truth_n it_o be_v falsehood_n perfect_a nonsense_n to_o say_v they_o can_v possible_o be_v false_a since_o it_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n truth_n shall_v be_v falsehood_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o predication_n of_o past_a or_o future_a thing_n viz._n in_o these_o christ_n have_v die_v the_o resurrection_n will_v be_v the_o former_a of_o which_o if_o once_o true_a have_v be_v and_o so_o can_v have_v not_o be_v the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n be_v go_v in_o which_o only_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v and_o the_o late_a if_o once_o put_v to_o be_v true_a that_o be_v to_o stand_v under_o certain_a or_o unimpedible_a cause_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o not_o to_o succeed_v so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a madness_n and_o folly_n in_o the_o world_n to_o put_v either_o of_o these_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a if_o they_o be_v once_o right_o judge_v truth_n and_o indeed_o i_o fear_v rather_o that_o they_o who_o judge_v the_o late_a possible_a not_o to_o be_v subject_n they_o to_o impedible_a cause_n and_o so_o make_v they_o or_o at_o least_o their_o ground_n as_o to_o our_o knowledge_n future_a contingent_n which_o have_v neither_o determinate_a truth_n nor_o falsehood_n speak_v then_o of_o those_o proposition_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o predicate_v de_fw-fr praesenti_fw-la it_o will_v be_v find_v by_o the_o considerer_n that_o they_o be_v all_o in_o a_o matter_n which_o be_v unalterable_a and_o above_o contingency_n and_o in_o case_n this_o be_v not_o their_o very_a determination_n to_o the_o present_a free_v they_o from_o be_v other_o than_o they_o be_v for_o the_o present_a every_o thing_n while_o it_o be_v be_v necessary_o what_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o shadow_n therefore_o of_o ground_n for_o a_o man_n who_o affirm_v point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v truth_n to_o affirm_v withal_o they_o may_v possible_o be_v false_a all_o i_o can_v imagine_v in_o their_o behalf_n to_o excuse_v they_o from_o speak_v palpable_a contradiction_n be_v this_o that_o perhaps_o they_o may_v mean_v our_o discourse_n while_o in_o viâ_fw-la to_o find_v out_o these_o truth_n be_v impedible_a and_o so_o there_o be_v then_o a_o possibility_n they_o may_v not_o become_v see_v to_o be_v true_a that_o be_v may_v be_v no_o truth_n to_o we_o but_o the_o question_n return_v whether_o in_o the_o end_n of_o our_o weigh_v their_o motive_n we_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v truth_n or_o no_o if_o not_o why_o do_v we_o so_o asseverant_o affirm_v they_o be_v and_o why_o be_v we_o bind_v by_o religion_n to_o profess_v they_o to_o be_v so_o or_o if_o we_o come_v to_o discover_v they_o be_v truth_n how_o be_v we_o so_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o discover_v withal_o that_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v falsehood_n §_o 18._o my_o last_o argument_n from_o logic_n faith_n shall_v be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v to_o prove_v faith_n or_o persuade_v it_o to_o another_o that_o act_n according_a to_o perfect_a reason_n in_o case_n it_o that_o be_v its_o ground_n as_o to_o our_o knowledge_n can_v possible_o be_v false_a and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o be_v not_o so_o much_o evident_a from_o any_o particular_a consideration_n in_o logic_n as_o from_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o artificial_a discourse_n or_o disputation_n for_o in_o case_n the_o premise_n be_v but_o moral_o certain_a as_o they_o call_v it_o or_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a that_o be_v if_o the_o two_o term_n be_v not_o see_v to_o be_v connect_v these_o proposition_n may_v nay_o aught_o to_o be_v deny_v by_o the_o respondent_fw-la who_o office_n and_o right_o it_o be_v to_o grant_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v evident_a lest_o he_o ensnare_v himself_o but_o to_o put_v the_o arguer_n to_o prove_v they_o what_o then_o must_v the_o opponent_n or_o arguer_n do_v must_v he_o bring_v a_o syllogism_n consist_v of_o premise_n only_o moral_o certain_a or_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a to_o make_v the_o other_o good_a what_o will_v it_o avail_v since_o these_o premise_n be_v also_o deniable_a for_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o so_o in_o infinitum_fw-la that_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o can_v possible_o be_v conclude_v final_o till_o ground_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a be_v produce_v which_o put_v the_o conclusion_n may_v be_v such_o also_o wherefore_o unless_o faith_n have_v ground_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o consequent_o able_a to_o show_v it_o such_o also_o none_o can_v rationem_fw-la reddere_fw-la fidei_fw-la give_v a_o true_a reason_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o such_o a_o one_o at_o best_a as_o in_o due_a right_n of_o dispute_n be_v â—â—deniable_a at_o pleasure_n whence_o faith_n be_v render_v both_o unmaintainable_a or_o indefensible_a in_o itself_o and_o unperswadable_a to_o other_o that_o guide_v themselves_o by_o perfect_a reason_n for_o however_o all_o who_o discourse_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o will_v convert_v any_o to_o faith_n use_v not_o to_o pin_v their_o motive_n to_o syllogistical_a form_n yet_o since_o no_o reason_n in_o the_o case_n of_o convince_a the_o understanding_n be_v allowable_a but_o what_o will_v bear_v the_o test_n of_o true_a logic_n and_o this_o assure_v we_o there_o be_v no_o conclude_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o without_o rely_v final_o on_o premise_n or_o ground_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a it_o follow_v that_o how_o fine_o and_o quaint_o soever_o these_o man_n talk_v unless_o they_o produce_v such_o ground_n they_o can_v conclude_v nothing_o at_o all_o and_o all_o their_o importunate_a persuasion_n which_o
to_o the_o other_o immediate_o forego_v induce_v all_o the_o absurdity_n mention_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n and_o pin_n they_o upon_o the_o deity_n as_o on_o their_o first_o cause_n so_o horrible_a and_o diabolical_a a_o tenet_n be_v this_o of_o the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o calumniate_v heaven_n itself_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n but_o a_o invincible_a ignorance_n in_o the_o maintainer_n of_o it_o excuse_v they_o from_o high_a blasphemy_n &_o from_o make_v the_o unenvious_a fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n like_o our_o own_o narrow_a and_o crooked_a self_n five_o eviction_n §_o 1._o let_v we_o hear_v next_o what_o the_o science_n of_o divinity_n both_o speculative_a and_o moral_a will_v award_v concern_v the_o point_n in_o question_n §_o 2._o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n mankind_n have_v be_v please_v to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o and_o among_o his_o other_o office_n he_o perform_v towards_o mankind_n that_o of_o a_o master_n be_v manifest_o one_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o he_o both_o will_v and_o can_v that_o be_v do_v accomplish_v what_o belong_v to_o that_o office_n again_o true_a divinity_n assign_v one_o main_a if_o not_o the_o chief_a reason_n why_o the_o second_o person_n be_v make_v man_n to_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v requisite_a god_n shall_v come_v and_o converse_v with_o we_o visible_o to_o cause_v in_o we_o knowledge_n of_o his_o heavenly_a doctrine_n or_o be_v our_o master_n and_o knowledge_n or_o wisdom_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o second_o person_n it_o be_v therefore_o most_o fit_a that_o person_n shall_v be_v incarnate_a it_o follow_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o master_n in_o our_o saviour_n christ_n spring_v peculiar_o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o divine_a personality_n and_o not_o of_o his_o humanity_n precise_o as_o do_v his_o suffer_v and_o die_v for_o we_o etc._n etc._n wherefore_o the_o proper_a agent_n of_o instruct_v and_o teach_v mankind_n be_v as_o such_o infinite_o perfect_a it_o be_v evident_o consequent_a christ_n perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o master_n or_o wrought_v the_o effect_n proper_a to_o a_o teacher_n as_o such_o with_o all_o imaginable_a perfection_n §_o 3._o it_o be_v then_o the_o proper_a office_n or_o effect_n of_o a_o master_n or_o teacher_n to_o make_v his_o scholar_n know_v his_o doctrine_n be_v true_a we_o can_v think_v but_o that_o this_o divine_a or_o infinitely-perfect_a master_n make_v they_o absolute_o or_o perfect_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n §_o 4._o and_o because_o the_o end_n of_o this_o teach_v be_v not_o terminate_v in_o those_o few_o himself_o converse_v with_o nor_o in_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n but_o be_v principal_o intend_v for_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v future_a in_o respect_n of_o they_o it_o follow_v that_o this_o enlighten_v and_o instruct_v now_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v equal_o extend_v to_o the_o follow_a world_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v all_o sectator_n or_o follower_n of_o his_o doctrine_n that_o be_v his_o scholar_n and_o he_o their_o master_n unless_o then_o he_o have_v take_v order_n that_o succeed_a age_n also_o shall_v have_v perfect_a assurance_n or_o know_v his_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o true_a he_o will_v have_v set_v up_o a_o school_n and_o lay_v no_o mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o far_o great_a part_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o his_o scholar_n or_o christian_n from_o ignorance_n and_o error_n §_o 5._o all_o christian_n then_o both_o the_o primitive_a and_o their_o successor_n have_v and_o will_v have_v mean_n to_o know_v absolute_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v true_a this_o mean_n we_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n both_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n then_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v veracious_a and_o faith_n which_o be_v build_v on_o it_o to_o be_v absolute_o true_a and_o by_o consequence_n to_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 6._o beside_o man_n be_v a_o intellectual_a instruct_v creature_n it_o be_v evident_a the_o true_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n consist_v in_o know_v and_o this_o whether_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o speculater_n or_o as_o a_o actor_n for_o if_o the_o thing_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v than_o he_o be_v most_o evident_o ignorant_a whether_o it_o be_v false_a or_o no_o that_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o no_o which_o speak_v imperfection_n in_o his_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v a_o capacity_n of_o knowledge_n and_o if_o he_o be_v to_o act_n about_o it_o it_o be_v evident_o a_o less_o perfection_n and_o worse_a for_o mankind_n to_o go_v to_o work_v unassured_o than_o assure_o faith_n then_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o god_n do_v what_o be_v best_a for_o mankind_n it_o follow_v faith_n be_v perfect_o secure_a to_o he_o that_o be_v he_o must_v know_v it_o to_o be_v such_o and_o consequent_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o contingency_n of_o be_v false_a §_o 7._o but_o leave_v man_n the_o subject_a of_o virtue_n faith_n and_o reflect_v upon_o faith_n itself_o in_o we_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o offer_v itself_o to_o our_o consideration_n be_v that_o its_o habit_n be_v a_o virtue_n and_o consequent_o rational_a also_o that_o its_o act_n be_v a_o assent_n upon_o authority_n since_o then_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v former_o that_o there_o can_v be_v in_o reason_n no_o assent_n without_o certain_a ground_n and_o that_o what_o be_v certain_a be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a it_o follow_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o faith_n itself_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 8._o next_o faith_n be_v a_o intellectual_a virtue_n virtue_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o perfect_a man_n understanding_n as_o such_o that_o be_v it_o be_v to_o he_o a_o knowledge_n and_o so_o inform_v his_o mind_n with_o truth_n the_o nature_n of_o faith_n than_o force_v that_o point_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v truth_n and_o so_o as_o be_v manifold_o demonstrate_v faith_n itself_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 9_o again_o this_o intellectual_a virtue_n virtue_n call_v faith_n be_v also_o a_o supernatural_a one_o and_o therefore_o as_o such_o proceed_v from_o a_o agent_n infinite_o more_o perfect_a than_o any_o can_v be_v find_v in_o nature_n therefore_o the_o immediate_a effect_n aim_v at_o by_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o inform_v the_o understanding_n will_v be_v perform_v with_o infinite_a advantage_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v that_o supernatural_a agent_n be_v or_o god_n part_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o exquisite_o perform_v it_o must_v spring_v from_o some_o incapacity_n in_o the_o subject_a there_o be_v then_o in_o this_o effect_n of_o inform_v the_o understanding_n two_o consideration_n viz._n evidence_n which_o be_v have_v either_o by_o experience_n of_o our_o sense_n of_o which_o spiritual_a nature_n the_o chief_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v incapable_a or_o by_o intrinsical_v medium_n that_o be_v demonstration_n of_o those_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o which_o take_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n the_o subject_a of_o faith_n very_o few_o be_v capable_a and_o that_o other_o of_o certainty_n attainable_a both_o by_o those_o intrinsecal_n and_o also_o extrinsical_a medium_n or_o authority_n which_o authority_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o practicableness_n of_o its_o nature_n all_o be_v to_o a_o great_a degree_n able_a to_o understand_v it_o follow_v that_o here_o be_v no_o violence_n or_o unsuitableness_n to_o humane_a nature_n consider_v in_o its_o generality_n the_o supernatural_a agent_n or_o cause_n of_o faith_n will_v effect_v here_o a_o great_a certainty_n than_o mere_a natural_a impression_n can_v produce_v that_o be_v all_o extrinsical_a argument_n be_v final_o resolve_v into_o intrinsecal_n one_o the_o best_a and_o chief_a nature_n in_o the_o world_n will_v be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o most_o strong_o support_v to_o make_v up_o the_o great_a authority_n that_o be_v possible_a and_o so_o to_o establish_v this_o certainty_n of_o faith_n and_o its_o principle_n beyond_o that_o of_o any_o humane_a science_n but_o divers_a piece_n of_o humane_a science_n nay_o the_o least_o particle_n of_o true_a science_n be_v acknowledge_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a faith_n therefore_o à _fw-la fortiori_fw-la must_v be_v such_o also_o §_o 10._o this_o supernaturality_n of_o faith_n by_o natural_a which_o word_n we_o mean_v divine_a faith_n convince_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o exceed_v all_o other_o faith_n be_v according_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n in_o common_a that_o be_v it_o ought_v to_o partake_v whatever_o perfection_n true_o belong_v to_o faith_n or_o belief_n as_o such_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n and_o far_o above_o what_o be_v find_v in_o humane_a faith_n in_o a_o word_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v as_o much_o in_o it_o as_o can_v elevate_v it_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n without_o
wrong_v that_o notion_n or_o nature_n faith_n then_o in_o common_a as_o distinguish_v from_o science_n and_o opinion_n be_v a_o assent_n upon_o authority_n and_o firmness_n be_v evident_o a_o perfection_n in_o a_o assent_n divine_a faith_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o far_o great_a degree_n of_o firmness_n in_o it_o than_o any_o humane_a faith_n whatsoever_o wherefore_o since_o humane_a faith_n can_v rise_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o stability_n that_o mankind_n will_v think_v he_o mad_a that_o be_v a_o renouncer_n of_o evident_a reason_n who_o can_v think_v serious_o it_o can_v be_v a_o error_n or_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o example_n the_o belief_n of_o this_o present_a age_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o france_n or_o k._n james_n divine_a faith_n be_v supernatural_a aught_o to_o be_v more_o firm_o ground_v and_o consequent_o more_o high_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 11._o again_o we_o find_v that_o the_o more_o head_n we_o be_v ascertain_v '_o that_z a_o convictive_a authority_n be_v engage_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n the_o more_o strong_o that_o authority_n be_v apply_v to_o our_o understanding_n and_o consequent_o more_o forcible_o work_v its_o effect_n there_o or_o subduc_n it_o to_o assent_v whence_o this_o certitude_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o belief_n that_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a it_o strengthen_v and_o perfect_v it_o under_o that_o notion_n divine_a faith_n then_o be_v supernatural_a have_v a_o peculiar_a right_n to_o have_v such_o a_o application_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n to_o the_o understanding_n as_o may_v be_v true_o certain_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a since_o by_o such_o a_o application_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o not_o less_o but_o more_o belief_n be_v give_v to_o the_o say_a authority_n and_o the_o understanding_n become_v more_o humble_v and_o subject_v to_o it_o that_o be_v by_o such_o a_o application_n how_o scientifical_o evident_a soever_o it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v never_o the_o near_o be_v a_o act_n of_o science_n but_o be_v perfect_a under_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v still_o a_o steady_a hearty_o and_o firm_a assent_n for_o the_o authority_n sake_n which_o be_v thus_o strong_o and_o close_o apply_v and_o a_o great_a reliance_n on_o it_o §_o 12._o moreover_o faith_n be_v to_o work_v through_o charity_n and_o to_o guide_v our_o action_n manner_n as_o we_o be_v christian_n and_o rational_a action_n be_v so_o much_o more_o perfect_a by_o how_o much_o more_o know_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o agent_n unless_o faith_n be_v true_o certain_a that_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a christian_a action_n will_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o perfection_n find_v in_o most_o ordinary_a humane_a action_n of_o a_o inferior_a and_o in_o comparison_n trifle_v concern_n and_o a_o christian_a will_v go_v to_o work_v with_o less_o assuredness_n and_o steadiness_n than_o a_o carpenter_n and_o cobbler_n and_o this_o not_o out_o of_o the_o impediment_n of_o original_a sin_n which_o be_v contingent_a and_o extrinsical_a to_o faith_n or_o religion_n but_o mere_o out_o of_o a_o defect_n of_o certainty_n in_o the_o intrinsecal_n of_o faith_n itself_o and_o its_o ground_n which_o beyond_o all_o evasion_n affix_n the_o imperfection_n upon_o christianity_n itself_o §_o 13._o i_o may_v add_v that_o art_n and_o science_n science_n even_o the_o most_o slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a one_o and_o which_o be_v most_o liable_a to_o contingency_n in_o their_o effect_n or_o the_o action_n spring_v from_o they_o have_v yet_o all_o of_o they_o certainty_n in_o their_o principle_n religion_n then_o be_v the_o art_n of_o carry_v or_o guide_v soul_n to_o bliss_n and_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n its_o principle_n in_o virtue_n of_o which_o it_o be_v to_o perform_v this_o effect_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n the_o main_a and_o supreme_a principle_n who_o firmness_n be_v to_o establish_v the_o rest_n and_o so_o render_v they_o efficacious_a unless_o faith_n itself_o and_o its_o ground_n be_v true_o certain_a the_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n will_v be_v exceed_o more_a defective_a and_o inefficacious_a than_o those_o of_o any_o petty_a mechanical_a trade_n and_o indeed_o no_o principle_n six_o eviction_n §_o 1._o the_o forego_v consideration_n be_v more_o enforce_v by_o this_o that_o it_o faith_n be_v the_o light_n which_o discover_v to_o we_o our_o last_o end_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o that_o be_v which_o be_v to_o guide_v we_o in_o that_o to_o which_o all_o our_o other_o concern_v be_v subservient_fw-fr and_o all_o our_o action_n direct_v unless_o therefore_o this_o knowledge_n or_o light_n of_o faith_n be_v steady_a and_o firm_a all_o our_o whole_a life_n as_o christian_n will_v be_v feeble_a totter_a and_o uneven_a as_o want_v certainty_n of_o the_o first_o practical_a principle_n which_o be_v to_o ground_v our_o christian_a behaviour_n nay_o certainty_n of_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v aim_v at_o without_o which_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n must_v needs_o be_v stagger_v and_o inconstant_a and_o itself_o but_o a_o blind_a grope_v in_o the_o dark_a §_o 2._o moreover_o since_o all_o mankind_n morality_n even_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o have_v perfect_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o practical_a principle_n of_o natural_a morality_n which_o ground_v their_o moral_n seem_v virtue_n as_o be_v confess_v which_o virtue_n yet_o for_o want_v of_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n teach_v they_o to_o know_v their_o true_a last_o end_n and_o so_o perform_v the_o act_n of_o those_o virtue_n for_o its_o sake_n or_o order_v they_o to_o heaven_n fall_v short_a of_o elevate_a they_o towards_o it_o and_o bring_v they_o thither_o it_o follow_v that_o have_v there_o not_o be_v provision_n make_v that_o point_n of_o faith_n the_o principle_n of_o christian_a morality_n shall_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o be_v the_o other_o thing_n will_v have_v be_v perverse_o order_v that_o be_v great_a care_n will_v have_v be_v take_v to_o create_v those_o imperfect_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o alone_o be_v not_o able_a to_o secure_v one_o man_n from_o the_o state_n of_o eternal_a misery_n than_o for_o those_o sublime_a perfection_n call_v christian_a virtue_n which_o be_v the_o direct_a step_n for_o man_n to_o arrive_v at_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o the_o immediate_a mean_n to_o attain_v the_o end_n he_o be_v create_v for_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n §_o 3._o especial_o since_o this_o last_o end_n mean_n and_o chief_a good_a of_o mankind_n be_v not_o attainable_a by_o external_n action_n or_o local_a motion_n but_o intellectual_o or_o by_o interior_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o he_o be_v promote_v forward_o even_o to_o the_o very_a assecution_n of_o it_o that_o be_v by_o force_n of_o knowledge_n or_o truth_n exciting_a he_o to_o act_v and_o guide_v he_o in_o those_o action_n it_o be_v manifest_a the_o point_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v truth_n and_o so_o as_o have_v be_v manifold_o prove_v above_o impissible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 4._o again_o virtue_n spring_v connatural_o falsehood_n from_o truth_n and_o vice_n from_o falsehood_n if_o faith_n then_o be_v possible_o false_a the_o practice_n spring_v thence_o be_v possible_o no_o virtue_n but_o vice_n and_o so_o they_o and_o consequent_o faith_n whence_o they_o proceed_v possible_o will_v not_o dispose_v but_o indispose_v we_o towards_o our_o last_o end_n which_o destroy_v perfect_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n and_o virtue_n too_o i'faith_o therefore_o will_v be_v no_o faith_n be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 5._o you_o will_v object_v a_o reason_n mere_o probable_a or_o morally-certain_a be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o act_v for_o a_o temporal_a good_a much_o more_o then_o for_o a_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a one_o since_o the_o great_a goodness_n be_v in_o the_o object_n the_o less_o be_v the_o hazard_n and_o consequent_o the_o more_o the_o reasonableness_n to_o act_v for_o it_o i_o answer_v though_o if_o all_o other_o thing_n correspond_v the_o objection_n will_v be_v valid_a and_o the_o reason_n give_v for_o it_o speak_v abstract_o be_v real_o conclusive_a yet_o in_o our_o present_a case_n there_o be_v so_o many_o thing_n which_o make_v it_o unparallel_n that_o no_o shadow_n of_o consequence_n can_v be_v make_v from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o first_o for_o the_o reason_n late_o give_v viz._n because_o our_o last_o end_n be_v in_o itself_o spiritual_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v not_o attainable_a but_o by_o mean_n of_o best_a spiritual_a perfection_n or_o virtue_n and_o the_o more_o know_o these_o proceed_v from_o we_o the_o better_a they_o be_v according_a to_o that_o say_n none_o be_v cordial_o and_o solid_o good_a who_o know_v not_o why_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v good_a whence_o they_o can_v be_v best_o in_o their_o kind_n nor_o consequent_o mean_v fit_a to_o
of_o sure_a foot_n but_o the_o former_a only_o indeed_o in_o my_o first_o discourse_n there_o i_o endeavour_v to_o evince_v this_o truth_n from_o par_fw-fr 1._o to_o par_fw-fr 17._o by_z diverse_a argument_n but_o because_o mr._n t._n wave_v the_o speak_n to_o those_o premise_n as_o they_o tend_v to_o infer_v my_o conclusion_n and_o only_o discourse_v a_o little_a mistake_o against_o the_o conclusion_n themselves_o therefore_o be_v resolve_v to_o write_v a_o treatise_n to_o establish_v christian_a faith_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o apply_v it_o to_o his_o proceedure_n there_o that_o so_o i_o may_v both_o more_o forcible_o invite_v he_o to_o that_o necessary_a though_o neglect_a duty_n and_o withal_o that_o by_o settle_v the_o existence_n &_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o its_o rule_n first_o i_o may_v clear_v the_o way_n methodical_o to_o discover_v what_o and_o only_o what_o can_v be_v the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o possible_o in_o my_o next_o treatise_n if_o mr._n t._n and_o mr._n st._n think_v fit_a to_o continue_v on_o this_o discourse_n forward_o by_o answer_v this_o they_o may_v by_o deny_v that_o in_o true_a speech_n the_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v truth_n or_o faith_n be_v true_a oblige_v i_o to_o begin_v yet_o high_o and_o make_v use_n of_o such_o medium_n as_o be_v more_o direct_a and_o immediate_o fit_a to_o confute_v atheism_n the_o understand_a reader_n will_v easy_o pardon_v the_o speculativeness_n of_o this_o treatise_n in_o great_a part_n of_o it_o if_o he_o reflect_v that_o discourse_n build_v on_o intrinsecal_n medium_n and_o manage_v in_o the_o way_n of_o severe_a reason_n do_v natural_o nay_o most_o necessary_o bear_v up_o to_o the_o first_o principle_n yet_o by_o the_o harmony_n and_o connexion_n of_o truth_n with_o one_o another_o there_o will_v be_v find_v also_o very_a many_o proof_n fair_o intelligible_a by_o the_o middle_a sort_n of_o prudential_n man_n especial_o in_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o practice_n and_o if_o i_o flatter_v not_o myself_o some_o proof_n and_o those_o convince_v one_o too_o suitable_a to_o every_o capacity_n this_o comfort_n my_o reader_n may_v expect_v to_o reap_v by_o this_o procedure_n that_o it_o must_v forcible_o shorten_v dispute_n and_o bring_v controversy_n after_o a_o while_n to_o a_o period_n unless_o our_o adversary_n be_v still_o obstinate_o bend_v to_o play_v the_o droll_n instead_o of_o sober_o and_o pertinent_o dispute_v for_o hardly_o can_v error_n hide_v her_o deformity_n when_o she_o be_v expose_v naked_a to_o the_o view_n of_o rational_a nature_n in_o the_o noon-day-light_n of_o first-principle_n faith_n vindicated_n from_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n first_o eviction_n §_o 1._o i_o lay_v for_o the_o basis_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n these_o two_o proposition_n 1._o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o hold_v firm_o profess_v and_o stand_v to_o it_o even_o with_o postulata_fw-la the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n that_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v truth_n 2._o none_o can_v be_v thus_o oblige_v to_o hold_v profess_v and_o maintain_v that_o to_o be_v truth_n which_o they_o know_v not_o to_o be_v so_o the_o late_a of_o these_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o that_o god_n the_o imposer_n of_o this_o obligation_n be_v good_a for_o how_o unworthy_a his_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v it_o to_o will_v that_o rational_a nature_n or_o mankind_n shall_v act_v irrational_o by_o hold_v firm_o what_o it_o have_v no_o firm_a ground_n to_o hold_v that_o be_v what_o it_o know_v not_o to_o be_v so_o or_o to_o sacrifice_v its_o very_a be_v to_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o point_n concern_v which_o if_o it_o work_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n the_o nature_n god_n have_v give_v it_o and_o deviate_v not_o from_o that_o by_o a_o weak_a credulity_n it_o can_v never_o be_v perfect_o satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v indeed_o truth_n which_o it_o can_v never_o be_v if_o notwithstanding_o all_o it_o know_v they_o yet_o may_v possible_o be_v falsehood_n no_o man_n in_o true_a morality_n ought_v to_o say_v what_o he_o know_v not_o much_o less_o so_o asseverant_o as_o to_o seal_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n as_o for_o the_o former_a proposition_n which_o i_o account_v most_o fundamental_a to_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n i_o be_o to_o declare_v that_o by_o hold_v etc._n etc._n a_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o truth_n i_o understand_v the_o hold_v that_o the_o thing_n absolute_o in_o reality_n or_o indeed_o be_v so_o as_o i_o judge_v whence_o to_o this_o hold_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v truth_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o a_o man_n hold_v it_o be_v so_o to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o judgement_n but_o it_o be_v require_v moreover_o that_o he_o hold_v he_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o make_v such_o a_o judgement_n and_o this_o because_o he_o hold_v his_o thought_n conformable_a to_o the_o thing_n for_o this_o settle_v verity_n or_o truth_n on_o its_o proper_a and_o firm_a foundation_n the_o thing_n and_o not_o on_o the_o unstable_a motion_n of_o his_o judgement_n as_o do_v the_o other_o my_o first_o and_o chief_a postulatum_fw-la thus_o understand_v i_o esteem_v to_o be_v self-evident_a to_o all_o that_o converse_v with_o christianity_n take_v in_o its_o large_a sense_n as_o i_o declare_v in_o my_o introduction_n set_v aside_o that_o sort_n of_o speculater_n i_o mean_v those_o of_o our_o modern_a adversary_n against_o who_o i_o dispute_v at_o present_a and_o of_o who_o the_o question_n be_v now_o agitate_a whether_o they_o be_v indeed_o to_o be_v hold_v right_a christian_n or_o no._n and_o i_o conceive_v that_o he_o who_o shall_v deny_v it_o must_v be_v bind_v to_o put_v the_o contradictory_n position_n and_o to_o affirm_v that_o christian_n be_v not_o bind_v firm_o to_o hold_v profess_v and_o maintain_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o its_o likelihood_n only_o he_o that_o affirm_v this_o if_o he_o will_v be_v hold_v a_o christian_a be_v to_o be_v confute_v by_o the_o contrary_a sentiment_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n from_o who_o he_o dissent_v in_o so_o fundamental_a a_o point_n as_o be_v the_o right_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o which_o it_o so_o high_o import_v they_o to_o know_v that_o be_v indeed_o in_o right_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n if_o he_o be_v no_o christian_n yet_o hold_v the_o godhead_n it_o be_v to_o be_v demonstrate_v partly_o from_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n both_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a which_o it_o be_v ordain_v to_o master_n partly_o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n oblige_v he_o to_o lay_v mean_v proportion_v to_o a_o intend_a end_n or_o to_o establish_v every_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o concern_v that_o depend_v on_o it_o which_o concern_v in_o our_o case_n be_v the_o high_a imaginable_a to_o wit_n the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o end_n of_o create_v those_o very_a entity_n on_o which_o the_o certitude_n of_o science_n be_v build_v or_o last_o if_o he_o be_v a_o atheist_n the_o deity_n and_o its_o attribute_n be_v first_o to_o be_v demonstrate_v as_o also_o what_o be_v man_n summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la and_o the_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o it_o and_o then_o the_o nature_n and_o certitude_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o of_o its_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v demonstrate_v suppose_v then_o my_o late_a postulatum_fw-la to_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o that_o know_v there_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o understand_v the_o common_a principle_n of_o morality_n and_o my_o former_a postulatum_fw-la to_o be_v clear_a and_o undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n to_o those_o who_o converse_v with_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o to_o have_v unavoidable_a force_n upon_o all_o that_o will_v be_v hold_v professor_n thereof_o i_o shall_v be_v bold_a to_o proceed_v upon_o they_o and_o first_o logic_n who_o proper_a office_n it_o be_v to_o look_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o action_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o rational_a and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o anatomize_v her_o thought_n take_v up_o the_o discourse_n and_o proceed_v thus_o §_o 2._o truth_n be_v find_v in_o proposition_n evidence_n a_o proposition_n consist_v of_o two_o notion_n call_v subject_a and_o predicate_v and_o a_o three_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o connect_v they_o whence_o to_o know_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v truth_n or_o true_a be_v to_o see_v the_o connexion_n between_o the_o two_o notion_n speak_v of_o or_o to_o see_v that_o the_o three_o true_o connect_v they_o now_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n imaginable_a abstract_v from_o experience_n how_o this_o may_v be_v see_v either_o by_o see_v immediate_o that_o those_o two_o notion_n be_v the_o same_o with_o one_o another_o out_o of_o the_o very_a notion_n themselves_o or_o
vast_a ocean_n on_o either_o side_n america_n to_o overswell_v the_o continent_n and_o so_o destroy_v it_o they_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v interiorly_a america_n may_v for_o any_o thing_n they_o know_v possible_o not_o be_v whence_o they_o be_v force_v to_o suspend_v as_o to_o its_o existence_n and_o only_o assent_v to_o its_o extreme_a likelihood_n of_o exist_v §_o 4._o the_o use_n i_o make_v of_o this_o discourse_n assent_n at_o present_a be_v this_o that_o though_o likelihood_n have_v a_o great_a latitude_n yet_o assent_n be_v the_o terminus_fw-la of_o those_o inclination_n towards_o it_o which_o gradual_o exceed_v one_o another_o consist_v in_o a_o indivisible_a as_o do_v the_o notion_n of_o be_v on_o which_o either_o see_v or_o deem_v to_o be_v see_v it_o be_v build_v and_o to_o which_o it_o go_v parallel_v that_o all_o act_n fall_v short_a of_o assent_n to_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o thing_n advance_v no_o far_o than_o great_a assent_n to_o its_o likelihood_n and_o fall_v under_o the_o head_n of_o suspensive_a act_n as_o to_o that_o thing_n existence_n as_o the_o soul_n will_v discover_v upon_o reflection_n and_o that_o when_o we_o mistake_v one_o for_o the_o other_o it_o be_v for_o not_o distinguish_v well_o the_o great_a resemblance_n between_o assent_v as_o to_o outward_a action_n and_o as_o to_o the_o speculative_a truth_n as_o also_o between_o assent_v to_o the_o extreme_a likelihood_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o assent_v to_o its_o existence_n that_o whensoever_o we_o see_v the_o possibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v false_a or_o not-existent_a which_o in_o our_o case_n be_v all_o one_o we_o can_v have_v a_o assent_n to_o its_o existence_n but_o to_o the_o likelihood_n of_o it_o only_o and_o suspend_v as_o to_o its_o existence_n or_o actual_a be_v and_o that_o therefore_o they_o who_o acknowledge_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o mean_v use_v and_o all_o the_o ground_n it_o have_v faith_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a to_o we_o can_v be_v hold_v to_o assent_v to_o the_o existence_n or_o truth_n of_o those_o point_n but_o to_o suspend_v concern_v their_o truth_n and_o to_o assent_v only_o to_o their_o likelihood_n to_o be_v true_a which_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a disposition_n to_o denominate_v such_o person_n christian_n will_v easy_o and_o best_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o vulgar_a of_o christianity_n who_o possess_v the_o genuine_a and_o natural_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n untainted_a with_o the_o frantic_a conceit_n spring_v from_o such_o speculation_n as_o be_v take_v out_o of_o fancy_n not_o as_o they_o ought_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n §_o 5._o the_o same_o argument_n may_v be_v hold_v make_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o firm_o hold_v as_o be_v from_o assent_n and_o the_o selfsame_a discourse_n mutatis_fw-la mutandis_fw-la since_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a none_o can_v firm_o hold_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a which_o he_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o be_v holds_z may_v be_v false_a however_o he_o may_v hold_v it_o very_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a §_o 6._o the_o same_o be_v evince_v from_o the_o know_v notion_n of_o know_v which_o word_n i_o take_v here_o abstract_o unconcern_v what_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n it_o be_v provide_v it_o be_v true_a and_o proper_a knowledge_n and_o not_o abusive_o so_o call_v for_o since_o nothing_o can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v but_o what_o be_v nor_o know_v to_o be_v such_o but_o what_o be_v such_o again_o since_o christian_n if_o they_o have_v either_o honesty_n or_o wit_n in_o they_o must_v some_o way_n or_o other_o know_v point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a who_o truth_n they_o esteem_v themselves_o bind_v to_o profess_v and_o stand_v to_o even_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n it_o follow_v those_o point_n must_v be_v what_o they_o be_v know_v to_o be_v that_o be_v true_a and_o consequent_o unless_o knowledge_n can_v be_v ignorance_n impossible_a not_o to_o be_v or_o to_o be_v false_a §_o 7._o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o assent_n and_o hold_v and_o know_v may_v also_o be_v discourse_v regard_n from_o the_o notion_n of_o certainty_n for_o this_o have_v the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o former_a as_o it_o be_v a_o determination_n of_o the_o understanding_n i_o mean_v intellectual_a determination_n be_v the_o common_a genus_fw-la to_o they_o all_o and_o they_o differ_v only_o in_o this_o that_o knowledge_n and_o certainty_n be_v proper_a effect_n of_o evidence_n whether_o spring_v from_o the_o thing_n or_o from_o the_o attester_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v where_o there_o be_v want_v the_o intellectual_a light_n issue_v from_o that_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o evidence_n so_o oft_o speak_v of_o whereas_o hâ—lding_v or_o assent_v can_v proceed_v from_o the_o blindness_n of_o passion_n or_o from_o ignorance_n as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o clear_a sight_n of_o the_o understanding_n now_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n consist_v in_o a_o intellectual_a determination_n thus_o originize_v and_o consequent_o when_o put_v exclude_v all_o possibility_n of_o be_v otherwise_o which_o be_v the_o point_n i_o aim_n to_o evince_v appear_v partly_o from_o the_o etymology_n and_o most_o evident_o from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n for_o certus_n signify_v determinate_a as_o then_o when_o the_o matter_n speak_v of_o restrain_v that_o word_n to_o volition_n it_o signify_v a_o absolute_a determination_n of_o will_n or_o resolution_n as_o certus_fw-la â—undi_fw-la so_o when_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o ground_n of_o intellectual_a certainty_n and_o say_v the_o thing_n be_v certain_a we_o intend_v to_o express_v full_a as_o much_o as_o when_o we_o say_v the_o thing_n be_v which_o speak_v ultimate_a determination_n and_o actuality_n in_o the_o object_n consider_v in_o itself_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o the_o same_o word_n be_v intend_v to_o signify_v formal_a certainty_n in_o we_o or_o that_o disposition_n of_o the_o understanding_n whereby_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v certain_a it_o must_v necessary_o signify_v unless_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o word_n its_o most_o formal_a notion_n be_v less_o rigorous_a than_o those_o which_o be_v less_o formal_a a_o determinate_a state_n of_o the_o understanding_n or_o a_o intellectual_a determination_n whence_o as_o a_o thing_n be_v then_o certain_a or_o determinate_a when_o it_o be_v so_o the_o understanding_n be_v then_o determine_v according_a to_o its_o nature_n or_o certain_a when_o the_o thing_n be_v see_v to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v which_o immediate_a effect_n of_o the_o other_o be_v impossible_a but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o evidence_n make_v that_o clear_a discovery_n and_o this_o engage_v all_o intellectual_a potentiality_n or_o possibility_n of_o not_o be_v see_v to_o be_v be_v total_o and_o formal_o that_o be_v most_o absolute_o exclude_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a notion_n then_o of_o certainty_n import_v a_o absolute_a impossibility_n that_o that_o judgement_n which_o so_o fix_v and_o determine_v the_o understanding_n shall_v be_v a_o error_n or_o false_a since_o nothing_o can_v be_v see_v to_o be_v but_o what_o real_o be_v §_o 8._o again_o since_o determination_n in_o any_o kind_n be_v the_o terminus_n of_o all_o indetermination_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o so_o beyond_o it_o it_o follow_v that_o certainty_n or_o intellectual_a determination_n be_v place_v beyond_o all_o possible_a degree_n of_o indetermination_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o uncertainty_n certainty_n therefore_o be_v not_o attain_v till_o all_o possible_a degree_n of_o uncertainty_n and_o consequent_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n to_o we_o or_o error_n be_v transcend_v and_o overcome_v i'faith_o then_o must_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v certain_a if_o it_o be_v put_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a §9_n and_o as_o my_o former_a discourse_n have_v endeavour_v to_o display_v the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n from_o its_o genus_fw-la and_o difference_n which_o compound_v its_o definition_n so_o the_o same_o will_v be_v still_o more_o satisfactory_o evince_v from_o observe_v the_o language_n of_o mankind_n when_o they_o use_v the_o word_n certain_a for_o that_o be_v most_o evident_o the_o signification_n of_o a_o word_n which_o the_o intelligent_a user_n of_o that_o word_n intend_v to_o express_v by_o it_o if_o by_o divers_a say_n of_o they_o we_o can_v manifest_v that_o they_o mean_v to_o signify_v such_o a_o conception_n by_o that_o word_n that_o will_v infallible_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o and_o that_o conception_n will_v have_v in_o it_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o certainty_n let_v we_o observe_v then_o attentive_o what_o be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n when_o they_o use_v these_o and_o the_o like_a familiar_a discourse_n which_o natural_o break_v from_o they_o how_o frequent_a be_v it_o when_o any_o one_o ask_v another_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n true_a and_o the_o other_o reply_n i_o very_o think_v it_o be_v he_o return_v
upon_o he_o with_o this_o press_a demand_n i_o but_o be_v you_o certain_a of_o it_o may_v not_o you_o be_v mistake_v which_o clear_o intimate_v that_o that_o disposition_n call_v certainty_n be_v beyond_o all_o inclination_n motion_n or_o indeterminate_a tendency_n of_o the_o understanding_n make_v it_o very_o think_v it_o be_v true_a which_o speak_v the_o next_o remove_n as_o it_o be_v from_o a_o certain_a assent_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v a_o absolute_a determination_n and_o fixure_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v true_a as_o also_o that_o certainty_n elevate_v the_o soul_n beyond_o hazard_n of_o mistake_n again_o many_o time_n when_o one_o be_v smart_o question_v if_o he_o be_v certain_a of_o a_o thing_n not_o dare_v upon_o better_a reflection_n pretend_v to_o certainty_n he_o reply_v wary_o in_o a_o moderate_a word_n which_o diminish_v and_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o other_o that_o he_o be_v moral_o certain_a of_o it_o which_o evidence_n that_o the_o notion_n of_o certainty_n be_v in_o point_n of_o fix_v or_o determine_v the_o understanding_n beyond_o that_o counterfeit_a certainty_n call_v moral_a certainty_n wherefore_o since_o all_o moral_a certainty_n as_o they_o call_v it_o how_o great_a soever_o though_o it_o be_v penetrate_v perfect_o according_a as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v see_v to_o consist_v with_o a_o possibility_n to_o be_v otherwise_o true_a certainty_n which_o exceed_v it_o must_v needs_o include_v a_o impossibility_n to_o be_v otherwise_o i'faith_o then_o be_v not_o in_o true_a speech_n certain_a unless_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 10._o again_o let_v a_o overween_a after_o his_o mistake_n become_v visible_a be_v challenge_v with_o it_o we_o find_v that_o in_o common_a speech_n we_o use_v these_o or_o the_o like_a word_n you_o say_v or_o thought_n you_o be_v certain_a of_o it_o but_o you_o see_v you_o be_v mistake_v be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o the_o word_n certain_a exclude_v a_o possibility_n of_o be_v otherwise_o since_o his_o be_v certain_a of_o it_o former_o be_v deny_v pure_o upon_o this_o score_n because_o he_o be_v mistake_v which_o show_v that_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o certain_a be_v inconsistent_a with_o mistake_n that_o be_v that_o certainty_n imply_v unmistakableness_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o inerrability_n hîc_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la in_o the_o present_a affair_n whereas_o have_v the_o notion_n of_o certainty_n admit_v a_o possibility_n not_o to_o be_v as_o he_o judge_v he_o have_v not_o be_v so_o mistake_v in_o judge_v that_o certain_a which_o by_o actual_o happen_v not_o to_o be_v be_v show_v afterward_o possible_a not_o to_o be_v to_o think_v to_o evade_v by_o allege_v that_o it_o be_v not_o mean_v his_o mistake_n consist_v in_o judge_v that_o certain_a or_o impossible_a not_o to_o be_v which_o be_v possible_a not_o to_o be_v but_o in_o judge_v that_o will_v be_v which_o afterward_o hap_v not_o to_o be_v be_v mere_o childishness_n and_o folly_n among_o man_n who_o hold_v that_o thing_n be_v carry_v on_o by_o the_o course_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_v and_o that_o thing_n therefore_o happen_v because_o a_o cause_n put_v they_o or_o not_o happen_v because_o no_o cause_n put_v they_o to_o judge_n then_o a_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v be_v the_o same_o among_o intelligent_a man_n as_o to_z judge_v there_o will_v be_v no_o cause_n to_o make_v it_o be_v and_o if_o there_o will_v be_v none_o such_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a it_o can_v not_o be_v or_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v in_o this_o order_n of_o the_o world_n such_o answer_n be_v fit_a for_o man_n who_o be_v lead_v more_o by_o sound_n than_o sense_n and_o who_o think_v a_o different_a word_n will_v gain_v they_o a_o escape_n though_o that_o word_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o the_o former_a 11._o the_o same_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o absurdity_n which_o palpable_o discover_v itself_o in_o any_o expression_n that_o modify_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o certain_a with_o a_o contingency_n as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v certain_a per_fw-la adventure_n or_o it_o be_v fallible_o certain_a the_o nonsense_n of_o which_o show_v that_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o certainty_n imply_v a_o oppositness_n to_o all_o contingency_n or_o a_o impossibility_n to_o be_v otherwise_o you_o will_v ask_v what_o then_o must_v be_v say_v of_o the_o phrase_n moral_a certainty_n where_o certainty_n seem_v to_o admit_v a_o allay_n of_o contingency_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v evident_a even_o hence_o and_o from_o all_o my_o former_a discourse_n that_o the_o word_n certainty_n be_v there_o use_v catachrestical_o or_o abusive_o for_o some_o great_a likelihood_n and_o its_o epithet_n mean_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o it_o as_o be_v find_v general_o in_o humane_a exterior_a action_n which_o depend_v on_o freewill_n and_o be_v contingent_a as_o be_v particular_n and_o speak_v not_o proper_a certainty_n as_o it_o be_v mean_v to_o signify_v that_o perfect_a intellectual_a determination_n who_o principle_n and_o cause_n be_v high_a truth_n be_v unalterable_a whence_o moral_a certainty_n how_o high_a soever_o it_o be_v exalt_v and_o triumph_v in_o a_o empty_a name_n be_v in_o reality_n uncertainty_n and_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o moral_a certainty_n be_v the_o low_a degree_n of_o uncertainty_n true_o so_o call_v that_o be_v of_o that_o which_o express_v a_o intellectual_a indetermination_n §_o 12._o thus_o much_o from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n which_o when_o it_o fall_v natural_o and_o affect_o from_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o speaker_n be_v a_o proper_a effect_n of_o the_o notion_n or_o meaning_n in_o their_o soul_n that_o be_v of_o the_o signification_n of_o that_o word_n whence_o it_o be_v a_o apt_a medium_fw-la to_o demonstrate_v that_o notion_n its_o proper_a cause_n à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la §_o 13._o from_o this_o discourse_n follow_v first_o that_o since_o speak_v of_o the_o present_a and_o the_o same_o in_o proportion_n hold_v of_o other_o difference_n of_o time_n it_o be_v the_o same_o to_o say_v the_o thing_n be_v certain_a as_o to_o say_v the_o thing_n be_v and_o to_o say_v the_o thing_n be_v speak_v indivisibility_n the_o notion_n of_o certainty_n too_o consist_v in_o a_o indivisible_a by_o which_o be_v not_o mean_v that_o one_o certainty_n may_v not_o be_v great_a than_o another_o both_o from_o a_o great_a perfection_n in_o the_o subject_a and_o a_o great_a certify_a power_n in_o the_o object_n but_o that_o certainty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o be_v generate_v in_o the_o soul_n be_v either_o there_o all_o at_o once_o or_o not_o at_o all_o in_o the_o same_o sort_n as_o there_o be_v no_o middle_n between_o be_v and_o be_v not_o or_o half-being_n of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o formal_a expresser_n of_o certainty_n whence_o again_o appear_v that_o what_o we_o abusive_o call_v moral_a certainty_n be_v indeed_o none_o at_o all_o because_o it_o reach_v not_o that_o indivisible_a or_o determinative_a point_n in_o which_o true_a certainty_n consist_v §_o 14._o second_o since_o true_a certainty_n principle_n be_v cause_v in_o we_o by_o see_v the_o thing_n be_v and_o this_o can_v be_v see_v but_o by_o virtue_n of_o principle_n especial_o that_o chief_a one_o a_o thing_n be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o which_o principle_n be_v truth_n can_v possible_o be_v false_a it_o follow_v both_o that_o what_o be_v certain_a can_v possible_o be_v false_a and_o that_o what_o can_v possible_o be_v false_a subsist_v upon_o no_o principle_n whence_o all_o moral_a certainty_n as_o they_o call_v it_o as_o also_o all_o high_a probability_n which_o confess_o may_v possible_o be_v false_a be_v convince_v to_o subsist_v upon_o no_o principle_n and_o they_o who_o acknowledge_v they_o have_v but_o moral_a certainty_n and_o high_a probability_n for_o their_o faith_n or_o opinion_n confess_v they_o have_v no_o principle_n which_o in_o true_a language_n deserve_v that_o name_n to_o ground_v they_o but_o at_o best_a certain_a likely_a topical_a medium_n that_o oft_o prove_v true_a or_o hold_v for_o the_o most_o part_n which_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o talk_a kind_n of_o discourse_n or_o exterior_a action_n but_o be_v flat_a thing_n and_o useless_a when_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v conclude_v §_o 15._o three_o it_o follow_v that_o true_a infallibility_n certainty_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v the_o selfsame_a with_o infallibility_n or_o inerrability_n as_o to_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o certainty_n be_v not_o have_v till_o it_o be_v see_v that_o that_o first_o principle_n a_fw-la thing_n be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o be_v engage_v for_o the_o identification_n of_o the_o two_o notion_n which_o make_v up_o the_o proposition_n we_o be_v certain_a of_o that_o be_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o proposition_n wherefore_o since_o we_o can_v have_v infallible_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o first_o principle_n as_o also_o of_o this_o that_o nothing_o
be_v not_o reducible_a to_o these_o ground_n nay_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o person_n who_o declare_v against_o have_v any_o such_o ground_n for_o faith_n signify_v just_a as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v i_o beseech_v you_o sir_n be_v so_o good_a nature_a as_o to_o believe_v i_o though_o to_o tell_v you_o true_a i_o acknowledge_v sincere_o neither_o can_v i_o bring_v nor_o can_v there_o possible_o be_v bring_v any_o ground_n able_a to_o make_v good_a what_o i_o say_v or_o any_o undeniable_a premise_n to_o force_v my_o conclusion_n three_o eviction_n §_o 1._o thus_o far_o logic_n let_v we_o see_v next_o subject_a what_o nature_n and_o metaphysic_n say_v to_o the_o point_n in_o which_o quest_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o leave_v logick_n assistance_n and_o first_o these_o science_n assure_v we_o that_o as_o all_o capacity_n of_o different_a being_n spring_n from_o first_o matter_n so_o all_o capacity_n of_o contrary_a determination_n arise_v from_o what_o we_o call_v potentiality_n or_o indifferency_n in_o the_o subject_a now_o the_o subject_a in_o our_o present_a case_n be_v not_o so_o much_o our_o mere_a faculty_n of_o understanding_n as_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n itself_o in_o our_o soul_n or_o the_o judge_a power_n of_o our_o soul_n consider_v precise_o as_o affect_v with_o these_o point_n for_o it_o be_v these_o or_o our_o judge_a power_n take_v mere_o as_o conversant_a about_o these_o that_o be_v our_o judgement_n which_o our_o opponent_n must_v affirm_v true_a yet_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a since_o therefore_o both_o the_o point_n themselves_o and_o our_o judgement_n consist_v formal_o in_o affirmation_n and_o negation_n that_o be_v in_o be_v and_o be_v not_o which_o be_v indivisible_a and_o constitute_v such_o by_o a_o formality_n the_o most_o formal_a and_o actual_a that_o can_v be_v as_o have_v be_v show_v they_o can_v have_v as_o such_o no_o indifferency_n or_o potentiality_n in_o they_o to_o the_o contrary_a neither_o natural_a nor_o metaphysical_a nor_o consequent_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n §_o 2._o the_o position_n of_o our_o adversary_n falsehood_n be_v still_o render_v more_o absurd_a by_o this_o consideration_n that_o even_o in_o nature_n where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a potentiality_n that_o be_v viz._n first_o matter_n the_o subject_n be_v not_o yet_o capable_a of_o opposite_a quality_n at_o once_o but_o successive_o at_o least_o in_o the_o same_o part_n whereas_o their_o position_n be_v not_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v now_o true_a be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a afterward_o upon_o the_o alteration_n of_o some_o contingent_a matter_n but_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a now_o to_o be_v false_a or_o possible_a to_o be_v now_o false_a for_o any_o thing_n any_o man_n know_v that_o be_v the_o understanding_n may_v have_v possible_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n in_o it_o at_o once_o and_o as_o to_o the_o same_o part_n or_o point_n §_o 3._o but_o it_o be_v still_o far_o more_o irrational_a true_a in_o regard_n these_o seem_a contrary_n true_a and_o false_a apply_v to_o the_o proposition_n we_o speak_v of_o have_v in_o they_o the_o perfect_a nature_n of_o contradictory_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o in_o those_o which_o speak_v de_fw-la praesenti_fw-la one_o shall_v be_v express_v by_o be_v existent_a the_o other_o by_o be_v not_o existent_a as_o it_o be_v in_o those_o which_o speak_v preterit_o and_o future_o that_o one_o shall_v be_v express_v by_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v the_o other_o by_o have_v not_o be_v or_o shall_v not_o be_v to_o think_v than_o they_o can_v at_o once_o be_v true_a and_o false_a be_v to_o judge_v that_o contradictory_n may_v be_v verify_v of_o the_o same_o or_o that_o both_o side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n may_v be_v true_a §_o 4._o again_o truth_n be_v a_o conformity_n thing_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o thing_n and_o falsehood_n a_o disconformity_n to_o say_v a_o proposition_n be_v true_a and_o yet_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o mind_n consider_v as_o judge_o conversant_a about_o that_o proposition_n may_v be_v at_o once_o conformable_a and_o disconformable_a to_o the_o same_o thing_n too_o wild_a a_o position_n to_o be_v introduce_v into_o a_o rational_a nature_n by_o any_o thing_n but_o such_o a_o wilful_a and_o blind_a passion_n as_o must_v first_o actual_o corrupt_a and_o in_o fine_a tend_v to_o destroy_v the_o very_a nature_n itself_o §_o 5._o and_o to_o void_a this_o thesis_n from_o all_o contradiction_n possible_a evasion_n here_o can_v be_v no_o different_a respect_n according_a to_o which_o these_o affirmation_n and_o negation_n may_v be_v make_v so_o to_o avoid_v contradiction_n but_o all_o such_o respect_n be_v exclude_v both_o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o predicate_v in_o most_o of_o those_o proposition_n as_o have_v be_v show_v evict_v 1._o §_o 5._o as_o also_o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o stand_v in_o the_o abstract_n descend_v nor_o to_o nor_o meddle_v with_o subsume_a respect_n but_o have_v their_o notion_n complete_v in_o the_o common_a word_n which_o express_v they_o and_o last_o because_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o distinction_n and_o respect_n for_o however_o a_o proposition_n take_v into_o consideration_n and_o scan_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o no_o may_v admit_v respect_n and_o distinction_n and_o so_o be_v affirm_v to_o be_v in_o this_o regard_n true_a in_o that_o false_a yet_o what_o be_v once_o accept_v to_o be_v true_a can_v in_o any_o respect_n afterward_o be_v affirm_v possible_a to_o be_v not_o true_a or_o false_a for_o example_n this_o proposition_n a_o ethiopian_a be_v white_a be_v distinguish_v by_o respect_n to_o several_a part_n and_o in_o regard_n to_o his_o tooth_n it_o be_v true_a to_o his_o skin_n it_o be_v false_a but_o after_o those_o respect_n have_v distinguish_v the_o ambiguity_n of_o it_o and_o so_o by_o divide_v it_o into_o two_o proposition_n settle_v one_o to_o be_v true_a the_o other_o to_o be_v false_a there_o can_v be_v no_o further_o use_v of_o respect_n or_o distinction_n which_o be_v to_o antecede_v to_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n by_o clear_v the_o doubtfulness_n of_o proposition_n and_o can_v have_v no_o place_n after_o the_o truth_n be_v once_o acknowledge_v or_o supervene_v to_o it_o he_o than_o that_o once_o acknowledge_v point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v truth_n can_v have_v no_o assistance_n from_o recourse_n to_o this_o and_o the_o other_o respect_n to_o evade_v a_o contradiction_n when_o he_o affirm_v they_o may_v be_v false_a §_o 6._o again_o it_o be_v particular_o opposite_a soul_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o soul_n to_o have_v such_o a_o act_n in_o she_o as_o to_o judge_n a_o thing_n true_a yet_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o our_o soul_n as_o to_o her_o judge_a power_n be_v essential_o a_o capacity_n of_o truth_n whence_o the_o first_o principle_n which_o ground_n all_o truth_n be_v so_o connatural_a to_o she_o that_o she_o can_v but_o embrace_v they_o and_o judge_v they_o true_a nothing_o therefore_o be_v more_o opposite_a to_o truth_n than_o a_o contradiction_n it_o follow_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o impossible_a to_o be_v receive_v or_o subject_v in_o the_o soul_n according_a to_o her_o judge_a power_n than_o a_o contradiction_n that_o be_v no_o implicatory_a or_o contradictory_n act_n can_v settle_v there_o now_o to_o judge_v a_o proposition_n or_o point_n to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o judge_v the_o thing_n to_o exist_v just_a as_o it_o affirm_v and_o to_o judge_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a be_v to_o judge_v it_o possible_a not_o to_o exist_v as_o it_o affirm_v and_o this_o not_o in_o order_n to_o different_a time_n but_o the_o same_o that_o be_v to_o judge_v a_o proposition_n or_o point_n true_a yet_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a be_v the_o same_o as_o to_z judge_v the_o thing_n actual_o be_v and_o yet_o perhaps_o be_v not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o this_o as_o appear_v by_o our_o former_a discourse_n not_o to_o be_v avoid_v in_o our_o case_n by_o difference_n or_o diversity_n of_o respect_n wherefore_o since_o such_o a_o act_n be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v in_o the_o judge_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v most_o manifest_a that_o he_o who_o hold_v one_o side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n can_v possible_o hold_v the_o other_o that_o be_v he_o who_o hold_v faith_n may_v be_v false_a can_v hold_v that_o it_o be_v true_a and_o that_o if_o it_o be_v hold_v and_o profess_v to_o be_v true_a it_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v hold_v and_o profess_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 7._o moreover_o the_o soul_n antecedent_o point_n to_o its_o be_v inform_v by_o the_o object_n be_v indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a to_o judge_v it_o true_a or_o false_a that_o be_v to_o be_v or_o not_o to_o be_v but_o when_o it_o
real_o since_o this_o motive_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o other_o judgement_n and_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v be_v so_o in_o reality_n and_o depend_v on_o the_o same_o incompossibility_n of_o be_v and_o not-being_n or_o on_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o notion_n be_v and_o last_o on_o a_o maxim_n as_o evident_a as_o what_o be_v most_o namely_o that_o the_o same_o be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o whence_o i_o make_v account_n whoever_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o affirm_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v or_o be_v true_a that_o be_v be_v more_o than_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a have_v withal_o true_a ground_n to_o affirm_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o that_o who_o confess_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a disclaim_v any_o true_a ground_n of_o judge_v or_o profess_v it_o be_v or_o be_v true_a and_o so_o judge_v it_o in_o his_o heart_n to_o be_v but_o a_o high_a probability_n or_o a_o good_a likelihood_n at_o most_o which_o be_v enough_o for_o plausible_a talker_n but_o fall_v far_o short_a of_o make_v a_o man_n a_o true_a christian._n §_o 3._o and_o hence_o we_o may_v with_o horror_n and_o pity_n reflect_v upon_o the_o perniciousness_n of_o heresy_n in_o corrupt_v the_o understanding_n that_o eye_n who_o defect_n fill_v as_o our_o saviour_n discourse_v it_o the_o whole_a body_n with_o darkness_n by_o subvert_v fundamental_o all_o those_o principle_n in_o which_o the_o common_a light_n of_o all_o knowledge_n consist_v and_o pervert_v as_o much_o as_o the_o goodness_n of_o nature_n establish_v by_o our_o creator_n will_v suffer_v it_o that_o very_a faculty_n which_o make_v we_o man_n in_o what_o be_v most_o intrinsical_v and_o essential_a to_o it_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o first_o principle_n that_o be_v despoil_v it_o quite_o of_o all_o intellectual_a perfection_n due_a to_o its_o nature_n but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o argument_n §_o 4._o can_v any_o discourse_n be_v take_v high_a than_o from_o first_o principles_n yes_o in_o some_o sort_n there_o can_v that_o be_v from_o the_o first_o cause_n or_o be_v or_o à _fw-la patre_fw-la luminum_fw-la the_o father_n of_o light_n from_o who_o all_o create_a nature_n whence_o those_o principle_n be_v borrow_v and_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o our_o understanding_n itself_o where_o they_o be_v find_v derive_v their_o origin_n this_o first_o be_v metaphysic_n demonstrate_v to_o be_v self_n existent_a that_o be_v infinite_a and_o unlimited_a in_o existence_n and_o consequent_o in_o all_o perfection_n among_o which_o since_o to_o be_v a_o self-determination_n to_o act_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n be_v one_o god_n have_v or_o rather_o be_v that_o too_o it_o be_v then_o according_a to_o right_a reason_n to_o do_v what_o be_v see_v clear_o to_o be_v best_a all_o thing_n consider_v god_n see_v what_o be_v absolute_o best_a must_v therefore_o be_v self-determined_a to_o do_v still_o what_o be_v best_a this_o put_v look_v into_o the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o best_a we_o find_v they_o to_o be_v both_o relative_a and_o that_o what_o be_v good_a to_o none_o be_v be_v not_o good_a at_o all_o apply_v which_o to_o god_n perfection_n every_o way_n infinite_a and_o no_o way_n far_o perfectible_a it_o be_v see_v manifest_o that_o when_o he_o be_v say_v to_o operate_v exterior_o in_o this_o world_n what_o be_v best_a it_o can_v mean_v what_o be_v good_a or_o best_a to_o himself_o or_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v his_o own_o good_a or_o perfection_n but_o what_o be_v good_a or_o best_a to_o his_o creature_n and_o hence_o we_o settle_v this_o most_o comfortable_a most_o evident_a and_o most_o enlighten_v conclusion_n that_o god_n do_v what_o be_v best_a for_o his_o creature_n and_o it_o be_v evident_o best_o for_o they_o to_o be_v guide_v or_o govern_v according_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o it_o follow_v also_o that_o god_n govern_v his_o creature_n connatural_o or_o suitable_o to_o their_o right_a nature_n §_o 5_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o we_o can_v once_o demonstrate_v that_o to_o act_n thus_o or_o thus_o be_v most_o connatural_a to_o such_o a_o species_n or_o nature_n we_o can_v demonstrate_v from_o the_o high_a first_o best_a and_o most_o immutable_a cause_n that_o however_o contingency_n find_v place_n in_o divers_a particular_n yet_o that_o kind_n as_o it_o be_v subject_v to_o god_n guidance_n be_v govern_v most_o agreeable_o to_o its_o true_a and_o right_a nature_n which_o his_o creative_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v at_o first_o give_v it_o §_o 6_o particular_o it_o be_v consequent_a that_o it_o can_v be_v god_n shall_v command_v or_o expect_v from_o his_o creature_n what_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n he_o have_v give_v they_o for_o since_o their_o be_v what_o they_o be_v or_o their_o metaphysical_a verity_n be_v fix_v by_o the_o idea_n in_o his_o own_o divine_a understanding_n from_o which_o in_o their_o creation_n they_o uner_o flow_v hence_o as_o to_o put_v they_o at_o first_o be_v to_o act_v conformable_o to_o himself_o or_o his_o own_o wisdom_n so_o to_o violate_v they_o be_v to_o work_v disconformable_o and_o unlike_a to_o himself_o which_o it_o can_v be_v think_v god_n shall_v do_v through_o inclination_n or_o choice_n and_o as_o little_o be_v make_v to_o do_v it_o through_o force_n §_o 7._o again_o since_o we_o can_v no_o otherwise_o discourse_n of_o god_n but_o by_o such_o notion_n as_o we_o gather_v here_o from_o creature_n which_o however_o improper_a yet_o all_o grant_n to_o be_v true_o pronounce_v of_o he_o if_o they_o signify_v perfection_n hence_o if_o we_o can_v demonstrative_o evince_v that_o such_o a_o action_n be_v true_o agreeable_a to_o wisdom_n goodness_n mercy_n etc._n etc._n and_o such_o other_o disagreeable_a we_o can_v know_v demonstrative_o that_o those_o be_v worthy_a to_o proceed_v from_o he_o these_o impossible_a to_o have_v so_o infinite_o perfect_v a_o author_n §_o 8._o what_o use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o deity_n principle_n of_o supreme_a wisdom_n god_n do_v what_o be_v best_a for_o his_o creature_n will_v be_v see_v hereafter_o the_o use_n we_o make_v of_o it_o at_o present_a be_v to_o add_v a_o new_a degree_n of_o establishment_n to_o our_o former_a discourse_n by_o apply_v it_o to_o they_o i_o argue_v then_o thus_o since_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o rational_a nature_n or_o rather_o since_o it_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n itself_o not_o to_o hold_v any_o thing_n but_o upon_o the_o tenure_n of_o immediate_a connexion_n or_o see_v that_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o rational_a discourse_n the_o same_n be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o be_v engage_v for_o the_o truth_n both_o of_o the_o premise_n and_o consequence_n since_o assent_v not_o thus_o abet_v be_v but_o opinion_n and_o as_o such_o deprave_v humane_a nature_n since_o nothing_o but_o true_a certainty_n can_v fix_v the_o understanding_n in_o a_o steadness_n of_o judgement_n since_o it_o be_v connatural_a to_o rational_a nature_n to_o proceed_v upon_o principle_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v where_o there_o be_v possibility_n of_o falsehood_n since_o this_o possibility_n render_v faith_n unmaintainable_a and_o so_o contrary_a to_o rational_a nature_n make_v christian_n hold_v and_o profess_v what_o they_o can_v make_v good_a since_o the_o put_a point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v truth_n yet_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a put_v the_o soul_n in_o violent_a and_o incompossible_a state_n as_o of_o indetermination_n and_o determination_n conformity_n and_o disconformity_n to_o the_o object_n nay_o subject_n she_o to_o the_o judge_a contradiction_n true_a which_o be_v most_o repugnant_a to_o her_o nature_n since_o it_o subvert_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o understanding_n both_o logical_o and_o metaphysical_o consider_v that_o be_v radical_o and_o fundamental_o destroy_v all_o possible_a rationality_n since_o it_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n itself_o and_o by_o consequence_n the_o 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or_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o proposal_n of_o it_o which_o only_o can_v oblige_v connatural_o the_o understanding_n to_o conceit_v it_o as_o it_o ought_v and_o consequent_o the_o will_n to_o love_v it_o according_o in_o which_o conceit_v and_o hearty_o love_a not_o only_o the_o intend_v and_o command_v part_n of_o the_o action_n be_v place_v in_o our_o case_n as_o it_o happen_v in_o our_o act_n for_o material_a good_n but_o also_o the_o executive_a and_o assecutive_a part_n of_o it_o not_o the_o same_o sleightness_n of_o motive_n therefore_o or_o moral_a certainty_n will_v here_o serve_v the_o turn_n but_o true_a certainty_n or_o impossibility_n of_o falsehood_n be_v require_v this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o proper_a to_o beget_v a_o hearty_a lively_a steady_a and_o all-over-powering_a affection_n for_o heaven_n and_o such_o as_o may_v as_o it_o ought_v make_v christian_n practical_o repute_v all_o other_o thing_n as_o dung_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o §_o 9_o but_o the_o main_a consideration_n false_a which_o force_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o motive_n which_o be_v to_o beget_v it_o that_o be_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n above_o those_o which_o ground_n our_o action_n of_o pursue_v temporary_a good_n be_v the_o unconceivable_a mysteriousness_n of_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n truth_n exalt_v above_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n as_o far_o as_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n many_o of_o they_o look_v so_o odd_a and_o uncouth_a to_o our_o course_n humane_a reason_n unrefined_a by_o faith_n that_o as_o they_o seem_v of_o old_a to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n so_o still_o they_o be_v acknowledged_o most_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o grossness_n of_o fancy_n by_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o unelevate_v by_o christian_a principle_n be_v lead_v and_o confess_o above_o reason_n insomuch_o as_o it_o cost_v the_o best_a wit_n of_o christianity_n no_o small_a pain_n to_o maintain_v they_o not_o to_o be_v contradictory_n or_o impossible_a to_o be_v true_a put_v then_o the_o motive_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o faith_n itself_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a the_o only_a seem_a certainty_n i_o may_v say_v the_o confess_a want_n of_o certainty_n of_o the_o motive_n to_o believe_v will_v be_v so_o counterballance_v by_o the_o incredibleness_n and_o seem_a contradictoriness_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o object_n or_o rather_o indeed_o overballance_v in_o the_o conceit_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o to_o embrace_v faith_n that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o overplus_n of_o weight_n leave_v to_o incline_v they_o to_o hold_v those_o point_n true_a rather_o than_o false_a much_o less_o to_o make_v they_o absolute_o hold_v they_o be_v certain_a truth_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v assert_v the_o contrary_a i_o wonder_v how_o he_o will_v go_v about_o to_o prove_v it_o or_o by_o what_o standard_n he_o will_v measure_v whether_o be_v the_o great_a of_o the_o two_o counterposed_a unlikelihood_n viz._n that_o the_o possible_o false_a motive_n of_o faith_n shall_v hap_v to_o be_v actual_o such_o or_o that_o the_o seeming-impossibility_n in_o the_o object_n shall_v chance_v to_o be_v a_o real_a one_o for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v here_o that_o we_o be_v in_o reason_n to_o expect_v the_o divine_a nature_n shall_v be_v exceed_o exalt_v above_o its_o creature_n and_o incomprehensible_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o measure_v his_o perfection_n by_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n find_v in_o creature_n but_o think_v it_o reasonable_a he_o shall_v infinite_o exceed_v they_o for_o however_o this_o have_v weight_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o concern_v the_o divine_a nature_n and_o its_o perfection_n as_o in_o itself_o yet_o here_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n in_o regard_n faith_n teach_v we_o many_o other_o point_v seem_o repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o and_o most_o strange_o debase_v and_o vilify_a it_o as_o that_o god_n infinite_o happy_a in_o himself_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o injurious_a buffering_n scourge_n and_o a_o ignominious_a death_n for_o a_o creature_n sake_n that_o in_o comparison_n of_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o and_o that_o omniscience_n and_o omnipotence_n can_v not_o invent_v and_o practise_v some_o easy_a and_o more_o honourable_a way_n to_o work_v the_o end_n they_o intend_v and_o last_o that_o it_o shall_v beseem_v infinite_a goodness_n that_o a_o person_n superlative_o innocent_a shall_v be_v so_o severe_o punish_v to_o do_v a_o undue_a favour_n to_o those_o who_o be_v enormous_o wicked_a this_o consideration_n then_o necessitate_v plain_o the_o impossibility_n of_o faith_n be_v false_a for_o else_o it_o will_v be_v irrational_a to_o believe_v it_o and_o last_o it_o show_v the_o case_n of_o christian_a interior_a act_n utter_o unparallel_a to_o that_o of_o act_v exterior_o for_o sensible_a and_o material_a good_n which_o one_o may_v apprehend_v to_o be_v attainable_a and_o also_o comprehend_v the_o way_n to_o attain_v they_o without_o puzz'le_v his_o understanding_n with_o any_o unconceivable_a mysteriousness_n in_o the_o business_n to_o check_v his_o assent_n ere_o i_o leave_v this_o point_n i_o must_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o reflect_v well_o on_o the_o condition_n those_o person_n be_v in_o who_o be_v yet_o to_o embrace_v faith_n they_o have_v no_o light_n but_o their_o pure_a natural_a reason_n and_o to_o this_o be_v propose_v for_o object_n to_o the_o one_o side_n the_o motive_n to_o faith_n or_o the_o authority_n in_o our_o case_n that_o god_n have_v speak_v it_o on_o the_o other_o the_o strangeness_n of_o the_o mystery_n let_v then_o those_o person_n understanding_n no_o better_a elevate_v go_v about_o to_o scan_v the_o profound_a mystery_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v clear_a and_o i_o think_v confess_v by_o all_o they_o must_v needs_o seem_v to_o they_o impossible_a to_o be_v true_a which_o therefore_o nothing_o but_o a_o motive_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n seem_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a can_v conquer_v so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o conceit_n they_o real_o true_a but_o this_o motive_n or_o this_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v confess_v by_o our_o adversary_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a nor_o it_o be_v a_o fit_a and_o proportion_v object_n for_o humane_a reason_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n to_o make_v it_o seem_v better_a than_o it_o be_v or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a it_o be_v then_o against_o all_o reason_n to_o believe_v be_v faith_n and_o its_o ground_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a the_o motive_n of_o dissent_n be_v in_o that_o case_n evident_o great_a than_o be_v the_o motive_n of_o assent_n §_o 10._o again_o since_o it_o be_v incomparable_o faith_n more_o easy_a to_o throw_v down_o than_o to_o build_v or_o less_o difficult_a for_o the_o understanding_n to_o comprehend_v a_o objection_n than_o it_o be_v to_o lay_v orderly_o in_o the_o soul_n a_o severely-connected_n frame_v of_o discourse_n force_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o point_n particular_o when_o those_o point_n be_v utter_o unsuitable_a to_o fancy_n and_o even_o exalt_v above_o reason_n and_o so_o lie_v open_a to_o very_o plausible_a and_o easy_o penetrable_a objection_n on_o which_o disadvantage_n or_o disproportion_n to_o weak_a judgement_n that_o be_v indeed_o a_o high_a excellency_n on_o the_o object_n be_v side_n atheist_n ground_v their_o drollery_n against_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o follow_v that_o be_v not_o the_o chief_a motive_n to_o faith_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n practical_o self-evident_a and_o so_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a there_o will_v be_v consider_v the_o rudeness_n and_o unelevatedness_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o come_v to_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o unsuitableness_n of_o the_o mystery_n to_o their_o fancyled_a understanding_n great_a temptation_n and_o more_o plausible_a that_o be_v to_z they_o strong_a motive_n lay_v to_o make_v they_o dissent_v to_o those_o mystery_n than_o to_o make_v they_o assent_v the_o motive_n to_o faith_n then_o must_v be_v practical_o self-evident_a and_o so_o faith_n itself_o must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a seven_o eviction_n §_o 1._o perhaps_o the_o language_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n express_v most_o manifest_o their_o sentiment_n may_v give_v to_o some_o a_o more_o natural_a and_o penetrable_a satisfaction_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a faith_n shall_v be_v false_a than_o all_o the_o speculative_a and_o scientifical_a proof_n hitherto_o deduce_v §_o 2._o for_o their_o language_n then_o i_o only_o will_n hint_n to_o the_o memory_n of_o my_o prudential_a reader_n for_o to_o transcribe_v they_o be_v endless_a all_o those_o expression_n so_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n father_n council_n and_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o these_o very_a day_n viz._n that_o faith_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n his_o will_n and_o of_o reveal_v truth_n nor_o will_v i_o straighten_v the_o signification_n
will_v never_o the_o soon_o discover_v her_o face_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v find_v but_o what_o will_v still_o appear_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a the_o practical_a conclusion_n natural_o follow_v hence_o will_v be_v this_o to_o fix_v there_o where_o it_o light_v most_o advantageous_a to_o their_o temporal_a interest_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o man_n addict_v themselves_o to_o this_o or_o that_o trade_n cry_v it_o up_o and_o maintain_v it_o stout_o to_o be_v truth_n because_o it_o be_v creditable_a to_o the_o profession_n though_o they_o judge_v all_o the_o while_o it_o may_v be_v a_o falsehood_n and_o because_o they_o see_v their_o faith_n can_v have_v no_o certain_a or_o firm_a ground_n undertake_v to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o faith_n itself_o need_v have_v none_o by_o the_o best_a assistance_n plausible_a rhetoric_n seemingly-probable_a reason_n weak_a or_o misuse_v testimony_n and_o voluntary_a cavil_n and_o mistake_v can_v lend_v they_o and_o in_o a_o word_n since_o they_o be_v not_o in_o circumstance_n to_o settle_v any_o thing_n to_o laugh_v hearty_o at_o those_o who_o go_v about_o it_o and_o to_o endeavour_v very_o politic_o to_o pull_v down_o every_o thing_n which_o any_o intelligent_a reader_n will_v manifest_o see_v by_o this_o establish_n treatise_n compare_v to_o their_o performance_n to_o have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o my_o adversary_n labour_n §_o 14._o the_o unnaturalness_n of_o this_o tenet_n exhortation_n will_v perhaps_o be_v bring_v near_a home_n and_o so_o be_v better_o penetrate_v even_o by_o our_o opposer_n themselves_o if_o we_o reflect_v how_o wicked_o it_o will_v sound_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o preacher_n if_o after_o a_o sermon_n exhort_v and_o press_v the_o faithful_a to_o the_o love_n of_o heaven_n or_o particular_o to_o stand_v steadfast_a in_o their_o faith_n they_o shall_v in_o the_o close_a to_o prevent_v in_o their_o auditor_n the_o misunderstanding_n some_o overstrain_v expression_n add_v a_o ingenuous_a caution_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o for_o all_o that_o adhere_v to_o faith_n as_o if_o it_o can_v not_o be_v false_a nor_o work_v for_o heaven_n as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o be_v of_o any_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o not_o manifest_a this_o in_o our_o case_n honest-dealing_a profession_n will_v enervate_v the_o force_n of_o all_o the_o motive_n they_o have_v propose_v and_o press_v and_o if_o so_o be_v it_o not_o as_o evident_a that_o all_o the_o efficacy_n of_o christian_a preach_v spring_n natural_o from_o the_o impossibility_n that_o faith_n shall_v be_v false_a for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o unseasonableness_n of_o this_o profession_n but_o the_o impiousness_n of_o it_o which_o will_v so_o scandalize_v the_o hearer_n and_o either_o avert_v they_o from_o the_o preacher_n or_o make_v they_o cold_a in_o virtue_n it_o be_v clear_a then_o that_o all_o the_o forceable_a application_n of_o christian_a motive_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v ground_v on_o the_o impossibility_n of_o faith_n falsehood_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o who_o hold_v the_o opposite_a tenet_n and_o will_v be_v honest_a shall_v either_o leave_v off_o preach_v for_o which_o this_o tenet_n make_v he_o unfit_a or_o else_o use_v much_o caution_n while_o he_o preach_v lest_o by_o imply_v the_o perfect_a certainty_n of_o faith_n while_o he_o practise_v assentation_n to_o that_o he_o become_v injurious_a to_o truth_n and_o consequent_o to_o it_o too_o if_o it_o be_v true_a §_o 15._o but_o to_o conclude_v it_o have_v be_v belief_n no_o less_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n or_o ecclesia_fw-la docens_fw-la to_o oblige_v the_o faithful_a to_o believe_v what_o they_o recommend_v to_o they_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n nay_o mr._n whitby_o in_o his_o late_a treatise_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d page_v 53_o 54._o assert_n the_o same_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o to_o their_o creed_n or_o fundamental_o which_o have_v faith_n be_v hold_v by_o the_o governor_n and_o the_o govern_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a have_v signify_v just_a thus_o much_o as_o if_o the_o governor_n shall_v say_v you_o shall_v believe_v it_o though_o we_o know_v it_o may_v be_v false_a or_o you_o shall_v believe_v we_o tell_v you_o the_o apostle_n teach_v it_o though_o both_o we_o and_o the_o authority_n we_o trust_v for_o it_o may_v be_v deceive_v for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v and_o as_o if_o the_o person_n govern_v shall_v answer_v we_o will_v believe_v you_o though_o we_o know_v you_o may_v be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o the_o point_n itself_o false_a which_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v profess_v they_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v they_o let_v it_o prove_v what_o it_o will_v right_a or_o wrong_n true_a or_o false_a so_o strange_a a_o tyranny_n in_o the_o imposer_n or_o commander_n and_o slavery_n in_o the_o believer_n or_o obeyer_n as_o be_v impossible_a in_o either_o to_o consist_v with_o humane_a nature_n have_v not_o both_o of_o they_o the_o obeyer_n at_o least_o be_v very_o persuade_v those_o commander_n have_v such_o motive_n to_o propose_v as_o shall_v have_v be_v able_a to_o oblige_v assent_n without_o which_o all_o command_n of_o a_o interior_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v nonsense_n and_o folly_n oh_o but_o will_n a_o witty_a atheist_n say_v humane_a policy_n may_v have_v make_v the_o governor_n conceal_v the_o cheat_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o ignorant_a govern_v be_v fright_v into_o a_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n very_o likely_a indeed_o that_o among_o so_o many_o million_o and_o of_o those_o many_o saint_n by_o our_o adversary_n own_o confession_n all_o shall_v persist_v and_o be_v true_a conspirator_n in_o so_o unnatural_a a_o confederacy_n or_o that_o in_o so_o free_a a_o admission_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o prudent_a people_n to_o any_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n as_o be_v practise_v in_o christendom_n insomuch_o that_o there_o be_v find_v many_o thousand_o of_o the_o govern_v equal_a in_o part_n and_o learning_n to_o divers_a of_o the_o chief_a governor_n and_o superior_a to_o very_o many_o of_o they_o all_o shall_v so_o come_o permit_v themselves_o and_o the_o world_n to_o be_v abuse_v in_o a_o point_n no_o less_o important_a than_o their_o very_a manhood_n it_o be_v then_o above_o policy_n and_o force_n and_o only_o atchievable_a by_o the_o natural_a strength_n of_o the_o motive_n to_o oblige_v such_o multitude_n and_o so_o qualify_v to_o christian_a faith_n and_o these_o motive_n must_v have_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a none_o else_o be_v able_a to_o subdue_v the_o understanding_n of_o such_o a_o great_a portion_n of_o mankind_n to_o hold_v their_o proposal_n true_a or_o justify_v all_o the_o church-governor_n in_o all_o age_n from_o a_o most_o unjust_a and_o most_o unnatural_a tyranny_n divers_a principal_a objection_n answer_v to_o mistake_v every_o passage_n voluntary_o be_v so_o in_o fashion_n and_o so_o continual_o pursue_v as_o the_o best_a method_n to_o answer_v discourse_n which_o proceed_v by_o the_o way_n of_o principle_n that_o perhaps_o it_o be_v not_o imprudent_a to_o forestall_v such_o blind_v and_o prevent_v such_o misrepresenters_a from_o raise_v their_o light_n and_o airy_a dust_n by_o act_v ourselves_o if_o we_o can_v the_o part_n of_o a_o opponent_n after_o a_o solider_fw-la manner_n than_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v from_o those_o prevaricate_a discourser_n beside_o nothing_o more_o clear_v a_o point_n than_o to_o manifest_v that_o such_o objection_n which_o aim_v at_o the_o root_n of_o it_o quite_o lose_v their_o force_n while_o level_v against_o it_o i_o recommend_v this_o forego_v discourse_n when_o i_o have_v finish_v it_o to_o the_o perusal_n of_o divers_a of_o the_o most_o judicious_a and_o impartial_a friend_n i_o can_v pick_v out_o court_v their_o severe_a candour_n to_o acquaint_v i_o with_o its_o defect_n their_o most_o pertinent_a and_o most_o fundamental_a exception_n i_o present_v the_o reader_n with_o which_o i_o have_v strengthen_v as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v and_o add_v divers_a of_o my_o own_o protest_v that_o do_v i_o know_v myself_o or_o know_v where_o to_o learn_v of_o other_o more_o forcible_a and_o efficacious_a one_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v decline_v the_o propose_v they_o nor_o have_v fear_v to_o oppose_v the_o invincibleness_n of_o the_o truth_n i_o here_o defend_v against_o the_o strong_a assault_n of_o the_o most_o ingenious_a most_o rational_a and_o most_o acute_a discourser_n objection_n i._n the_o word_n truth_n be_v both_o in_o the_o postulata_fw-la and_o all_o over_o this_o treatise_n take_v in_o too_o metaphysical_a a_o rigour_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v deny_v that_o faith_n be_v true_a or_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v so_o esteem_v it_o answer_n i_o take_v that_o word_n in_o the_o plain_a
bind_v the_o understanding_n to_o assent_v not_o from_o their_o relation_n to_o other_o extrinsecall_v proof_n correspond_v or_o discorrespond_v with_o they_o but_o from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o premise_n on_o which_o they_o intrinsical_o depend_v and_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o consequence_n and_o final_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v build_v on_o first_o or_o self-evident_a principle_n if_o then_o the_o motive_n one_o man_n have_v at_o present_a be_v sufficient_a of_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o oblige_v he_o act_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n to_o judge_v faith_n true_a who_o ever_o have_v humane_a reason_n ought_v to_o assent_v upon_o they_o and_o if_o faith_n be_v still_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a that_o be_v false_a to_o we_o that_o be_v be_v possible_a to_o be_v show_v false_a or_o possible_a that_o other_o may_v have_v just_a ground_n to_o hold_v it_o so_o put_v those_o ground_n also_o in_o the_o same_o man_n and_o since_o they_o must_v be_v convictive_a of_o 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truth_n on_o either_o side_n in_o that_o matter_n or_o subject_n objection_n vi._n when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o faith_n and_o its_o rule_n may_v be_v false_a the_o arguer_n misunderstand_v it_o to_o mean_v that_o we_o assert_v it_o may_v actual_o and_o indeed_o be_v show_v so_o whereas_o it_o be_v only_o mean_v by_o those_o word_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v or_o for_o any_o thing_n the_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o our_o knowledge_n evince_n or_o force_v to_o the_o contrary_n answer_n i_o know_v not_o what_o possibility_n to_o any_o thing_n mean_v if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o relation_n to_o its_o be_v actual_o and_o indeed_o nor_o a_o possibility_n of_o be_v false_a to_o we_o but_o a_o possibility_n of_o be_v actual_o and_o indeed_o such_o that_o be_v of_o be_v actual_o show_v so_o to_o we_o and_o all_o this_o must_v be_v forcible_o admit_v by_o he_o who_o put_v no_o proper_a or_o necessary_a cause_n in_o the_o thing_n nor_o 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hazard_v his_o credit_n with_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n who_o sentiment_n he_o contradict_v so_o express_o objection_n vii_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o faith_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o that_o the_o sun_n will_v rise_v to_o morrow_n that_o america_n will_v not_o be_v drown_v as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o henry_n the_o eight_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v only_o moral_o certain_a and_o enough_o for_o humane_a action_n since_o they_o exclude_v actual_a doubt_n or_o leave_v no_o suspicion_n of_o doubt_n behind_o they_o which_o as_o mr._n still_v fleet_n tell_v we_o app._n p._n 76._o be_v the_o high_a actual_a certainty_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o reasonable_a man_n can_v desire_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v certainty_n enough_o for_o i_o to_o use_v my_o house_n that_o i_o be_o moral_o certain_a it_o will_v not_o fall_v on_o my_o head_n though_o i_o have_v no_o absolute_a security_n but_o it_o may_v and_o this_o kind_n of_o certainty_n seem_v more_o suitable_a to_o mankind_n be_v more_o easy_o penetrable_a by_o the_o generality_n than_o the_o other_o rigorous_a and_o over-straining_a certainty_n which_o seem_v more_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o the_o high_a sort_n of_o speculater_n than_o for_o a_o world_n of_o man_n which_o comprehend_v capacity_n of_o all_o degree_n and_o sort_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o perhaps_o of_o little_a learning_n answer_n the_o objecter_n must_v prove_v that_o all_o those_o instance_n be_v only-morally-certain_a or_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a ere_o he_o allege_v they_o for_o such_o that_o of_o henry_n the_o eight_o which_o do_v indeed_o oblige_v the_o understanding_n to_o belief_n i_o affirm_v to_o be_v practical_o self_n evident_a and_o demonstrable_a and_o so_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o for_o the_o rest_n they_o be_v utter_o unfit_a to_o parallel_v faith_n certitude_n be_v all_o of_o material_a thing_n who_o very_a essence_n be_v to_o be_v mutable_a whereas_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v truth_n and_o in_o matter_n not_o subject_a to_o contingency_n be_v essential_o incapable_a of_o be_v otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v that_o be_v still_o truth_n so_o that_o far_o easy_a be_v it_o that_o all_o material_a nature_n shall_v undergo_v all_o the_o change_n imaginable_a than_o that_o any_o such_o truth_n can_v not_o be_v itself_o or_o the_o principle_n on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v in_o we_o desist_v to_o be_v true_a or_o conclusive_a in_o particular_a i_o will_v askâ—_n whether_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o faith_n to_o be_v as_o certain_a to_o we_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v to_o those_o immediate_o before_o the_o flood_n that_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v not_o be_v drown_v which_o exceed_v the_o case_n of_o america_n possible_a destruction_n or_o as_o it_o be_v to_o those_o after_o the_o flood_n that_o the_o sun_n shall_v never_o stand_v still_o or_o go_v back_o or_o last_o as_o it_o be_v that_o a_o house_n of_o who_o firmness_n none_o have_v actual_a doubt_n shall_v fall_v if_o so_o than_o the_o stand_v of_o the_o sun_n in_o ioshuah_n time_n and_o its_o retrogradation_n in_o ezekiah_n show_v the_o unparallelness_n of_o these_o instance_n you_o will_v say_v these_o be_v both_o miraculous_a but_o this_o alter_v not_o the_o case_n first_o because_o it_o be_v never_o hear_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v hold_v by_o any_o sober_a man_n that_o even_o miracle_n can_v make_v such_o truth_n falsehood_n or_o those_o motive_n which_o be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n able_a to_o conclude_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o such_o point_n inconclusive_a or_o invalid_n next_o because_o if_o the_o motive_n to_o faith_n and_o so_o faith_n itself_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o a_o deist_n demand_v how_o in_o case_n they_o shall_v prove_v indeed_o false_a we_o can_v be_v assure_v god_n goodness_n to_o mankind_n will_v not_o step_v in_o even_o miraculous_o to_o discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o so_o universal_a a_o illusion_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o falsehood_n so_o absurd_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n as_o to_o obtain_v the_o high_a repute_n of_o sacred_a and_o divine_a truth_n concern_v the_o last_o instance_n of_o the_o moral_a certainty_n of_o a_o house_n stand_v which_o have_v be_v object_v to_o i_o by_o learned_a protestant_n as_o sufficient_a to_o make_v i_o act_v as_o steady_o and_o hearty_o as_o if_o i_o have_v a_o demonstration_n that_o it_o will_v not_o possible_o fall_v beside_o the_o general_n answer_v that_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v truth_n which_o render_v the_o case_n unparallel_a i_o reply_v that_o the_o two_o house_n the_o one_o in_o holborn_n the_o other_o in_o king_n street_n which_o of_o late_a year_n &_o a_o three_o in_o cock_n lane_n which_o of_o late_a day_n fall_v when_o